Adams defeats McKenzie in House District 82 Democratic primary

Published 8:48 pm Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Kimberly Pope Adams defeated Victor K. McKenzie Jr. with 60.77% of more than 7,000 votes cast in the Democratic Primary for the state’s 82nd House District. 

Adams carried Surry County with 67.4% of the vote; Surry accounts for 8.8% of the district’s voters. The district also includes Petersburg and parts of Dinwiddie and Prince George counties.

“This race proved that money can’t buy hard work. We were out fundraised and we just kept knocking doors, putting in the work, the community responded and I am eternally grateful,” said Adams, a finance director at Virginia State University.

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McKenzie, a nonprofit executive, fell short of Adams with only 39.2% of the district’s vote and 32.6% in Surry County.

“I want to congratulate Kimberly Pope Adams for a spirited campaign, and pledge my support in helping her take back this seat for Democrats. There is no path to a Democratic Majority in the House of Delegates without this seat, and there is too much at stake here,” said McKenzie. 

This November, Adams will face Del. Kim Taylor, R-Petersburg, who is running as the sole Republican candidate for the 82nd.